The Effect of Clomipramine on Spermatogenesis Process, and Testosterone, Follicle Stimulating, and Luteinizing Hormone in Laboratory Male Rats

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, School of Science, Payame Noor University Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

2 Department of Biology, School of Science, Payame Noor University Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Background: Using clomipramine, as a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor, is associated with unwanted side effects such as reproductive disorders. In this study, the effect of clomipramine on spermatogenesis process, and testosterone, follicle stimulating, luteinizing hormones was assessed in laboratory male rats.Methods: 24 male rats (aged 7 to 8 weeks, weighing 25-30 g) were selected and randomly divided into 4 equal groups including three treatment groups and one placebo group. The placebo group received normal saline, and the treatment groups received 3, 6, and 12 mg/kg body weight of clomipramine for 20 days, intraperitoneally. At the end, blood sampling was performed to test the level of testosterone, follicle stimulating, and luteinizing hormone. The histological assessments were conducted using hematoxylin-eosin staining, and by a microscope equipped with a digital camera. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Duncan tests.Findings: The mean levels of testosterone, follicle stimulating, and luteinizing hormone in treatment groups were not significantly different compared to placebo group (P > 0.050 for all). The mean number of spermatogonia cells, spermatocytes, and spermatids, as well as the thickness and diameter of seminiferous tubules in the treatment group was significantly lower than the placebo group (P < 0.001 for all).Conclusion: Using clomipramine, especially at high doses, can disrupt the spermatogenesis process, as well as decreasing the diameter and thickness of seminiferous tubule in testis tissue. All of these changes suggest that the application of clomipramine may reduce fertility in males.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 36, Issue 481 - Serial Number 481
May and June 2018
Pages 575-580

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History

  • Receive Date: 25 April 2018
  • Revise Date: 01 November 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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